(Photo: Aubree Dallas)
Snowmass has long been rated one of the best family ski areas in North America because of its wide-open, groomed cruising and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss dash-through-the-woods fun for kids on the winding Prospector’s Trail off Adams Avenue or the recently added tubing area at Elk Camp Meadows. Seeking adventurous terrain with a backcountry feel? Check out the double-black glades of Hanging Valley Wall and the Cirque for excitement beyond measure.
Best Gear for Keeping Families Warm. There are plenty of places to cut corners and save money on Colorado’s ski slopes but having quality gear is not among them. Our must-haves include these Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Top and Bottoms, Hestra Classic 3-Finger Snow Glove (also available in junior sizes), Minus33 Merino Wool Balaclava, and Obermeyer’s I-Grow Ski Jackets and Pants which provide a simple way to lengthen the sleeves and cuffs of your child’s jackets and pants (our quickly-growing kids could wear them 2-3 seasons!) Columbia has a similar line of expandable winter jackets for kids. Nothing kills a good ski day like having a whining, cold child so be sure to have a bulk supply of hand warmers available (and you can even find rechargeable hand warmers that are like a portable pocket heater).
Let it snow!
Snowmass – Colorado Family Ski Vacation
Season dates and hours:
Aspen Mountain November 19, 2022-April 16, 2023
Snowmass November 19, 2022 -April 16, 2023
Aspen Highlands December 10, 2022 – April 9, 2023
Buttermilk December 17, 2022 – April 2, 2023
Area (acres)
3,332 acres
What family-friendly amenities does your resort offer?
Bundle up and lace those skates up for a little glide around the rink. Aspen Snowmass offers both indoor and outdoor skating facilities for everyone’s enjoyment. The Lewis Ice Arena at the ARC is a state-of-the-art, Olympic-size sheet of ice with full programs for all abilities. The Aspen Ice Garden is located in town at the corner of Hyman and 2nd Street. For outdoor skating the Silver Circle Ice Skating Rink is located across from Rubey Park at the base of Aspen Mountain.
Ullr Nights – In honor of the Norse God of Snow, Ullr, Elk Camp at Snowmass is transformed into a nighttime winter wonderland. Guests and locals alike are encouraged to light up the night with friends and family while enjoying old-fashioned winter outdoor activities such as the tubing hill, snowbiking, s’mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire and ice skating. Dance to live music and enjoy an a la carte culinary celebration sure to please any palate. After enjoying the snow playground, kids can warm up inside with fun activities and entertainment available downstairs in The Tent.
Adult lift ticket prices?
$204*
Child lift ticket prices and at what age kids ski free?
$144*
Is there on-site childcare and if so, what is the starting cost?
At Snowmass there is The Treehouse Kid’s Adventure Center – A one-stop-shop for Ski & Snowboard School check-in and rental/retail, the center boasts children’s entertainment from a family-friendly climbing gym to teen activities and a host of themed rooms for ages eight weeks and older. The Treehouse is readily accessible from anywhere in Snowmass with short-term parking, free shuttle buses, ski-in/ski-out access on Fanny Hill and service to the upper slopes, lodges and Snowmass Village Mall via the Sky Cab gondola. Prices start at $204.
What is the starting cost of ski/ride school?
Prices vary but a full day starts at $269. More info can be found at –https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/lessons
Where can families go for deals on lift tickets/lodging or special promotions?
All mountains https://www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-your-stay/packages-and-deals
What area (off-mountain) activities would appeal to families for their winter vacation?
1.) Join a Naturalist at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and enjoy a day out of your ski or snowboard boots. ACES Snowshoe walks and bird-watching can be enjoyed with the entire family. Start at the ACES center or from the top of Aspen or Snowmass Mountains and from the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center. ACES is open daily and is located in the heart of Aspen on the 25-acre Hallam Lake Nature Preserve. (100 Puppy Smith St Aspen, CO (970) 925-5756) www.aspennature.org.
2.) Relax on the lazy river at the Aspen Recreation Center after you scale the 32-foot climbing wall. The ARC has an array of recreational activities that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. (0861 Maroon Creek Rd Aspen, CO (970) 544-4100) www.aspenrecreation.com
Distance from Denver
All mountains are roughly 200 miles
45 Village Square
Snowmass Village, CO 81615
800-525-6200
www.aspensnowmass.com
*Note: Information and prices are subject to change and most resorts offer discounted rates if you purchase online seven days in advance. Many resorts do not publish a set lift ticket price. When compiling our list, we used the date January 10, 2023 as our base to compare prices. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. While clicking these links won’t cost you extra money, they help us keep this site up and running. See our disclosure policy.
